Residents' perception of the effects of Oguaa Fetu Afahye and PANAFEST events in Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

The impact of special events on host communities has been well documented. Relatively few studies have examined the effects of local events on host communities, especially in Ghana. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate residents’ perception of the effects of two local events, precisely Oguaa Fetu Afahye and PANAFEST events in Cape Coast. Primary source of data was employed during the fieldwork, which was undertaken between December, 2017 and January, 2018. Data was gathered by the use of questionnaires, focus-group guides and an interview guide. Frequencies, percentages and cross-tabulations were used to analyse data from questionnaire, whereas the focus-group and interview guides were transcribed, categorized and analysed manually based on emerged themes. The findings of the study suggest that residents are more involved in the activities of Oguaa Fetu Afahye event than PANAFEST. The difference in participation for both events was attributed to less publicity made prior to and during the PANAFEST event. The results also indicated that residents derived more personal than communal benefits. It was revealed also that the economic proceeds derived from both events are insufficient and/or not used for community projects; hence, residents who were economically involved in the events were those who derived both economic and socio-cultural benefits. Lastly, the study recommends that events’ committee ensures that goals and objectives set for each event are appropriately budgeted for and monitored, until achieved so as to benefit the individual residents and the community at large.